How to Make Homemade Febreze for a Refreshing Result

Published April 1, 2021
Homemade febreeze

When you think of room or fabric refreshers, your mind instantly goes to Febreze. It's a household name. But, Febreze contains some questionable chemicals and costs a lot. Learn how to make homemade Febreze using simple ingredients. Get clear instructions for creating DIY Febreze with and without fabric softener.

Non-Toxic Homemade Febreze Without Fabric Softener

Are you trying to ditch the commercial cleaners? Or do you just have allergies? Whether you are trying to live a more natural lifestyle or pinching pennies in your home, several quick Febreze alternative recipes are out there. Get a quick break down to three easy-to-follow recipes that don't require fabric softener. Before you get started, you need:

  • Spray bottle (glass if you use essential oils)
  • Essential oils
  • Distilled water
  • Baking soda
  • Funnel
  • Orange peels (optional)
  • White vinegar
  • Vodka
  • Rubbing alcohol

DIY Febreze With Essential Oils

Essential oils are a great alternative for getting your clothing smelling fresh and clean. To use essential oils to create fabric spray, follow these simple steps.

  1. In the spray bottle, mix two cups of water and a tablespoon or two of baking soda.
  2. Shake to mix the water and baking soda well.
  3. Add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil or oil combinations. For example, if you like floral scents, you might add 10 drops of jasmine and 5 drops of sweet orange.
  4. Shake again and use.
  5. Store at room temperature.

Homemade Febreze With Vinegar

Many people might raise an eyebrow or two when they see the words Febreze and vinegar together in a recipe. However, white vinegar is a very effective room deodorizer. It dries odorless and gets rid of smells in a snap. Now, it's time to get down to the details.

  1. Fill the spray bottle with two cups of distilled water.
  2. Add two tablespoons of white vinegar.
  3. Drop-in 10-15 drops of essential oils.

If you are trying to avoid essential oils with cats, you can put orange peels in a jar and cover them with white vinegar. Let that sit for 2-3 weeks, and the peels will infuse the vinegar, giving it a citrus smell.

citrus aromatic vinegar cleaner febreeze

Homemade Fabric Refresher With Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol

Another fabric softener-free, natural Febreze for your home can be made with rubbing alcohol or vodka. Grab the vodka or rubbing alcohol and get started.

  1. Measure ½ cup of rubbing alcohol or vodka.
  2. Add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil mixture. (Peppermint is a great one for around the holidays.)
  3. Add two cups of water.
  4. Put the mixture into the spray bottle.
  5. You are good to go!

Homemade Fabric Refresher Recipes Using Fabric Softener

If you are a Downy or fabric softener fan, you've come to the right place. Find several homemade fabric refresher recipes using your favorite fabric softeners. Just like the fabric softener-free recipes, these couldn't be easier to make. For these recipes, you need to grab:

  • Fabric softener (Downey is a favorite)
  • Downy Unstoppables
  • White vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hair conditioner
  • Distilled water
  • Funnel
  • Spray bottle

DIY Homemade Febreze With Downy Unstopables

Do you love Downy Unstopables scent beads? You are among friends here! Grab your favorite bead scent and get ready to make homemade Febreze.

  1. Use the funnel to add ½ cup of Downy Unstopables to your spray bottle.
  2. Now, add ¼ cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol.
  3. Fill with distilled water.
  4. Allow the mixture to sit until the beads fully dissolve. This takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
  5. Shake and spray.

Homemade Febreze With Downy

Rather than running out to buy Febreze when you run out, it's cheaper to make it at home. And, you have everything you need in your laundry room and cupboard. For this recipe, grab the fabric softener and white vinegar.

  1. Put a funnel in a spray bottle.
  2. Pour in 2 tablespoons of Downy or your favorite fabric softener.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
  4. Fill with water.
  5. Put the sprayer on and shake well.

If you aren't a fan of white vinegar, you can substitute it with rubbing alcohol.

Is Febreze Toxic?

When it comes to the toxicity of Febreze, it gets a pretty bad rap. In fact, CV Skinlabs points out that Febreze does contain a wealth of chemicals in their ingredient list. This includes chemicals that are linked to neurotoxicity and cancer. Additionally, it's not great for those who have asthma and allergies or pets.

Ditching Febreze to Refresh Fabrics

When it comes to fabric refreshers, Febreze has the market cornered. However, it doesn't take much to create a fabric refresher at home. Not only is it healthier, but it saves your wallet too.

How to Make Homemade Febreze for a Refreshing Result